"My Dad is a shy person but he was more shy than usual; a bit intimidated, I think.

"His family is from the Ivory Coast and Drogba is a big hero.

"Drogba just said: 'If you want to win trophies and be at a big club then join us'."

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Nathan Ake joined Chelsea in 2012

Ake has only made a handful of first-team appearances for the Blues, having spent time out on loan with Reading, Watford and most recently Bournemouth.

But the Dutchman finally looks set for his big breakthrough after Antonio Conte cut short his temporary switch with the Cherries to bring him back to west London at the start of last month's transfer window.